Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran Unlocks Smoqee Lounge & Sky Bar

Discover the new chic urbanites to chill out and dance in style only at Smoqee Lounge and Sky Bar, Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran

BALI – 30 September 2013 – One of the most talked-about new luxury resorts with its unique and chic contemporary style – Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran, unveils its new venue for urbanites on the island scene and be seen. Smoqee Lounge and Sky Bar features two separate spaces for sophisticated crowds to chill out over sunset at Jimbaran Bay or reveal in stylish rhythm.

Smoqee Sky Bar will be setting the new standard as an idyllic open-air bar with its laid back tunes and exquisite selections of signature concocted drinks crafted by one of the world’s most distinguished mixologists – Joseph Boroski. Enjoy the dramatic sunset view on the cozy loungers that is impeccably collaborated with the soothing breezy sounds from the Indian Ocean. To complete the experience, Smoqee Lounge ends the night abundantly by presenting a perfect showground for the guests to hit the dance floor and celebrate the weekend with close entourage in style, complemented with renowned homegrown or International DJs.

Smoqee Sky Bar

Open every day from 5.00pm till midnight – Smoqee Sky Bar brings a unique blend of open-air enclave with water deck that offers an elevated viewpoint to the unparalleled ocean views and with the rhythm to inspire the curious minds to hangout or mingle at the bar, while our creative talents spin the wheel to lift up the mood. This new venue also provides an ideal setting for exclusive social gatherings, celebrations or private parties for up to 150 guests.

Delectable selections of complimentary sunset tapas are served daily from 05.45pm to 06.30pm, a perfect pairing champagnes, spirits, premium wine selection or any of our Joseph Boroski cocktails collection while relishing the authentic beauty of Jimbaran Bay or overviewing the resort’s enviable 1,300 square meters salted water lagoon pool. Presenting the transformative experience of sights and sounds, Smoqee Sky Bar is located on the top floor and is conveniently accessible through the back entrance of the resort with ample parking space across the renowned Seafood restaurants area along the Muaya Beach.

Smoqee Lounge

Smoqee Lounge is a private entertainment joint for the lifestyle and socialite crowds, with a stimulating ambiance to get up and move the feet with its retro-inspired interior. Hosting up  to accommodate up to 150 guests, Smoqee Lounge presents an alternative between live music performance or tune from homegrown, to international DJs that will pump the crowds with classic jazzy sound.

Be it standing or seated at the bar and on one of the comfy sofas, explore the exquisite variety of signature thirst-quenchers – Sage Melon Martini, Smoqeeroska or Cinnamon Batyta; and fondle your taste bud with our delicious bites; Spicy Thai Chicken Tacos and much more, just to name a few. Moreover, be sure to ask our mixologists or bartenders about the day's special menu. Smoqee Lounge is open on weekends from 9 pm till midnight and located on level two of the resort.

About Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran

Experience a new perspective of understated luxury stay with Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran. Jump into the resort’s 1,300 square meters salted water lagoon pool and revealing panoramic views of Jimbaran Bay. The 118 contemporarily designed guest rooms, suites, penthouses and villas features futuristic in-room technology. Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran also introduces a gastronomic journey to the Island of the Gods offering discerning travellers four dining venues in a three-storey dining and entertainment complex: The brand’s signature all-day dining restaurant, Bamboo Chic featuring Pan-Asian street food served over live kitchens; Smoqee Lounge & Sky Bar, an enchanting spot for cocktails and live music over sunset; Latitude 8, the resort’s lobby lounge overlooking the lagoon offering choreographed cocktails, light snacks and evening tapas; and, WALA, an indulgence of hand crafted gelato or taste the perfect cup of Illy coffee.

For more information, please visit http://lemeridienbalijimbaran.com.

Sip, Savor & Shop @ Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort’s Market Brunch @ Feast

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort redefines Sunday Brunch with the launch of a first of its kind open-air market brunch concept

BALI – 2 September 2013 – Sunday Brunch is getting a fresh makeover at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort with the introduction of Market Brunch at Feast, with the theme of Sip, Savor and Shop that will transform traditional brunch with an open-air market of delicious fare, handmade crafts and services from local farmers, artisans and vendors. Located alongside Kuta’s famed Beachwalk, Market Brunch at Feast is the ideal occasion for families and community to gather before enjoying a day in Kuta. Feast Market Brunch will feature endless array of culinary journey and serving and an option of Duval Leroy Brut Champagne, fine wines or home crafted fruit and tea inspired beverages.

“We’re delighted to re-introduce Sunday brunch Kuta-style,” said Dario Orsini, General Manager of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort. “Perfect for the whole family to celebrate a beautiful Sunday afternoon, Market Brunch at Feast has something for everyone with a variety of delectable selections and to-go items in casual down-to-earth ambiance with live entertainment and kids’ corner and other fun activities for the entire family.”

Open each Sunday from 12 noon to 3 pm, Market Brunch will feature a variety of live stations and buffets emphasizing tapas and small bites so guests can sample and savor a wide variety of Asian favorites including those from Bali and beyond. The dynamic menu will change each week based on the seasonal availability of local ingredients. In addition, Market Brunch will feature retail stalls selling fresh produce, groceries and pre-made items to go – perfect for guests who want to explore Kuta Beach and Bali for the afternoon – as well as live entertainment from local bands and DJ’s. 

Market Brunch will offer close to 20 live stations and buffets featuring fresh fare that will appeal to even the pickiest of palates.  Guests will enjoy familiar tastes while also discovering new favorites.  Typical offerings will include fresh artisanal cheeses and sliced meats; hand-picked fruits and vegetables; fresh-made sushi made with local fish; Japanese Teppanyaki; Middle Eastern treats and delicacies; seafood barbeque with the day’s catch; as well as more traditional brunch fare like eggs made-to-order and fresh pastries. Sweet treats include Illy’s fresh coffee and gelato, freshly made breads and pies, and Bali’s own fantastic Pod chocolate.  Kids will especially enjoy the nugget station that will serve varieties of choice.

This deliciously rich experience is priced at just IDR 270.000 per adult and IDR 135.000 for children ages 4 – 12.  The price includes Illy iced coffees, Dilmah teas, fresh-squeezed juices and more.  A selection of locally-crafted beers, fine wines and signature cocktails are available for an additional IDR 200.000 and free-flow Duval Leroy Brut Champagne and wines from Starwood Wines of the World selection is available for an additional IDR 450.000 only. All prices are quoted in Indonesia Rupiah and are subject to 21% local government tax and service charge.

About Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort

Located on Bali’s famed Kuta Beach with mesmerizing views of the Indian Ocean, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is a gathering place for the whole family to enjoy.  With 203 generously appointed guest rooms and suites with private balconies, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is ideally situated along the Jalan Pantai Kuta and part of the famed Beachwalk: A Sahid Kuta Lifestyle Resort where guests can enjoy easy walking access to the island’s best shopping, dining and entertainment.  Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort offers three signature dining venues, including all-day dining at Feast®, located alongside the Beachwalk patio overlooking the Kuta Beach; Bene, a rooftop casual Italian trattoria with a panoramic ocean views; and the open-air Lounge, offering a locally inspired cocktail menu and beautiful Indian Ocean vistas.

For information, please visit http://sheratonbalikuta.com/

 Sunday Market Brunch video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUPdN7CtYfA

Slovakian Wine Dinner

(w/ The Ambassador of Slovakia @ Sriwijaya Restaurant, The Dharmawangsa Jakarta, 10 September 2013)

Photos: Hans Danial

Menu

                   

Amuse Bouche

Tuna and crab roll with avocado relish

tobiko caviar and coriander juice

Muskat Morav – Karpat Perla 2012

Appetizer

Canadian scallop with cepes mushroom duxelle

melted tomato in mild garlic and chilli sauce

Rulandske Biele – Golguz 2012

Ice Breaker

Green apple and basil granite

L’adove Vino – Golguz 2012

Main Course

Pan Roasted Australian angus beef fillet

with baby spinach spring roll foie and caramelized onion

Alibernet – Karpatska Perla 2009

Cheese

Assorted imported cheese with dry fruit compote

Dunaj Hrosienkovy Vyber – Elesko 2011

Veltlin Zeleny – Golguz 2011

Dessert

Banana and red bean beignet with black rice risotto and palm sugar ice cream

Tokaj 5 Putnovy 2011

http://whatsnewjakarta.com/gallery/detail/89/Slovakian-Wine-Dinner-with-The-Ambassador-of-Slovakia-at-The-Dharmawangsa-Jakarta-10-September-2013

Slovakia Wines

Slovakia is home to almost 400 active winemakers producing variety or branded quality wines with protected geographic indication and attribute wines with protected indication of origin from the 19 634 hectares of vineyards in 390 municipalities in 6 main wine regions. Slovak winemakers may be vine-growers themselves, they can posses relationship with the growers in neighbouring regions and buying the grapes from them or both. There are many places in Slovakia where you can get close to the wine as one can imagine.

Styles of Slovak wines       

Slovak wines are classified according to origin, maturity level of the grapes and the used technology. Slovak wine law is in compliance with the European wine legislation.

Categories of Still Wines are depending on the controlled origin, yields, must-weight levels and official quality control.

Three general quality designations are recognized:

             

Wine without geographic indication - Víno bez zemepisného označenia 

Wine with protected goegraphic indication  - Víno s chráneným zemepisným označením

Wine with protected indication of origin - Víno s chráneným označením pôvodu  

Where traditional terms quality wine akostné víno and quality wine with attribute akostné víno s prívlastkom can be used. Attribute  indicates potential alcohol and technique used - Cabinet kabinetné, Late harvest Neskorý zber, Grapes selection Výber z hrozna, Berry or Raisin selection bobuľový or hrozienkový výber, Nobly rotten raisin selection cibébový výber, Ice wine ľadové víno or Straw wine slamové víno.         

Sparkling wines are obtained by first or second alcoholic fermentation from fresh grapes, grape must and from wine. Depending on the used technology, grape varieties and the origin, there are various categories of Slovak Sparkling wines. 

Bene – A Light-hearted Italian Kitchen @ the Heart of Kuta

Bali Kuta Resort New Restaurant Opens with an Engaging and Fun Italian Kitchen

Sahid Kuta Lifestyle Resort unveils a world of class and sophistication with the opening of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort, a new Ocean front retreat. This embodiment of luxury amidst a myriad of amenities and services will celebrate the New Kuta Experience with the opening of Bene Italian Kitchen.

Bene will deliver an authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist, served with an interesting selection of world-class wines in a breathtaking ambience. Set against the Oceanic backdrop and Kuta Beach skyline, the restaurant serves a wide range of signature dishes by fusing rich imported and fresh local ingredients with a family sharing food concept in mind.

Set on Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort level two with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, combines a comfortable and inviting ambience with stylish irradiant decor. Bene will offer three levels of dining, starting from the arrival greeted by show kitchen with air-conditioned indoor dining or alfresco option by the outdoor pool; to the private dining on level two capable of accommodating up to ten persons on a solid one-single tree trunk dining table surrounded by floor-to-ceiling wine cellar and finally a breathtaking rooftop terrace that offers multiple seating options for a romantic sunset scenery.

“We are very excited to introduce Bene, and it will simply bring the best of Italy to our diners,” said Rossano Renzelli, Executive Chef of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort.  “We hope to create unforgettable dining experience for our guests with sumptuous cuisine, exclusive wine selection, spectacular ambience and seamless service.”

The menu is unpretentious, with the concept of retaining the original ingredients flavor that is done through simple cooking techniques to maintain the freshness. Signature dishes from the culinary maestros are crafted with meticulous attention to every detail from the restaurant’s open kitchen.

Chef Rossano Renzelli creates food that is pleasing to the palate as well as to the eyes.  Some of his signature dishes include Spezzatino di maiale, manzo, and e salsiccia con piselli – stewed diced pork, beef and pork sausage with green peas and onion or a classic Risotto ai porcini - Italian rice with porcini mushroom.

To lighten dinner, Wine could never be neglected.  Bene offers a diverse selection of Italian whites, reds and distilled in the form of Grappa. Eelco Bohtlingk, the Food & Beverage Manager recommends the best match for the signature dishes.

Dolcetto d’Alba from Tre Vigne, Italian’s answer to Pinot Noir, is a great match for Chef’s Porcini risotto dish – with just the right acidity to lighten the risotto base of the dish. Served slightly chilled, Dolcetto with its low tannin content bundled with an airy aroma of black cherry and raspberry is both refreshing as culinary tempting. For a more sumptuous dinner, for instance with Chef’s Stufato or Spezzatino di maiale, Eelco recommends Recchia’s Amarone Della Valpolicella, the curious way the wine is made results in an weighty wine with an ultra-creamy, brown sugar-ish sweet finish - as amazing as it is soothing. Bene carries over 60 Italian wines, sourced from the southern Sicilian heat to the Northern heights of Piedmont.

Bene opens daily for dinner from 5 pm until 10.30 pm.

About Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

Sheraton helps guests make connections at more than 400 hotels in 70 countries around the world and recently completed a $6 billion global revitalization and is now in the midst of a $5 billion global expansion over the next three years. Sheraton is owned by and is the largest and most global brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1051 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM.  Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. 

For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.